"This was a very tough decision for many reasons but after my family and I prayed about it, I know I am ready for the next step and that this is the best decision for me," Barber said last week. "Auburn is a special place and having the opportunity to play football at Auburn has been a dream come true. I am close to graduating, so I will continue to work towards my degree even as I pursue my dream to play in the NFL."

The Auburn fan favorite stepped up in his redshirt sophomore season to run for 1,017 yards, including five games of 100-plus yards, to become the eighth Auburn player in the last seven seasons to eclipse 1,000 yards on the ground -- an SEC record. He started the season as the Tigers' third-team tailback.

Injuries to Roc Thomas and Jovon Robinson forced him to the forefront in the 2015 season and he didn't disappoint, even if the Tigers' offense was not as explosive early in the season in a near-loss to FCS foe Jacksonville State. Still, it was Barber who made the big plays to make sure Auburn avoided an embarassing loss in overtime. He caught a pass on third-and-9 to keep Auburn alive in the extra period and he scored the game-winning touchdown.